6 Safety Innovations in the Underground Mining Industry

Within underground mines, teams must work with the latest safety technology to ensure the security of their miners. Our experts have many years’ experience within the mining industry and we’ve worked on multiple safety innovations across the marketplace. In this latest post, we’ll explain more on how underground mining technology is being used for safety enhancements.

1. Motion-Detection Hats

Motion detection systems are now being used to safeguard miners when medical emergencies occur underground. When a miner has remained still for a period of 60 seconds, there is now technology available that will alert his fellow crew members, who can then respond to the potential event. The technology is helping save lives within dark mining conditions and ensuring seamless rescue missions can be completed in man-down-style events.

2. Detection of Hazards

Hazard detection is another essential consideration within the underground mining industry. It’s imperative that hazards are detected within water and within the air within the mine. The latest hazard detection equipment can, for example, detect when a wall is weakened and might potentially collapse. It can also detect the flow of water within a mine to limit the potential for flooding in areas where working projects are being completed.

3. Proximity Warning

Proximity to other workers and equipment is a leading consideration within underground environments. It’s important that teams know exactly where workers are and when they are close to a hazard or another team member during their work. The latest proximity warning tools are ideal when traversing blind corners within the mine, and when working in low light environments where strong communication is vital. The technology can also be vital in improving productivity, ensuring that teams can see which other members are in the vicinity and can assist with their workload.

4. Tracking for Rescue Missions

When structural collapses, medical emergencies and other events occur within the mine, it’s critical that rescue teams have quick access to those affected. New mine safety technology is supporting teams within their analysis by tracking miners and ensuring the rescue team has a reference point for their search. The rescue team can quickly pinpoint those injured or in need of assistance and can respond quickly to the problem. This new underground mining technology is saving lives and reducing the time of rescues by several crucial minutes.

5. Two-Way Communication Tools

Two-way communication tools are now available to those in mines significantly under the earth’s surface. These tools are ideal in ensuring a safe working environment for all team members. They allow teams to coordinate safe project work and collaborate in using equipment effectively. For example, one team member can consult with another thousands of meters away to review their current condition and to report any changes that take place during their work.

6. Commit to Equipment Maintenance to Ensure Optimal Safety

While many companies are now investing in the latest underground mining safety equipment, some are still not proactive in maintaining their systems and checking their performance regularly. This can lead to significant challenges for workers as it might mean that systems don’t work as expected during projects. Make sure you’re proactive in following the manufacturer’s guidance on equipment maintenance. And speak with the manufacturer directly if equipment isn’t meeting the standards required. This can help in upholding the ideal safety record within your team.

Work closely with trusted professionals in the safety industry to ensure your team is protected around the clock. And follow the guidance in this post when choosing upcoming equipment purchases. Recognized experts are available now to guide you on the full assortment of options available.